| 1 | <p>Assignment 1 assesses students’ understanding of the fundamental concepts and calculations involved in early-stage mineral project evaluation, based on material covered in Chapters 1–4 of the prescribed textbook. The assignment focuses on the technical and economic principles underpinning mineral resource development and mine planning, requiring students to demonstrate both conceptual understanding and basic quantitative analysis.</p><p>Students will complete problems related to ore recovery and dilution, examining how mining processes influence the quantity and quality of ore delivered for processing. The assignment also covers the estimation of mineral resources and ore reserves, including the distinction between geological resources and economically mineable reserves. Students will apply economic parameters to determine cut-off grade and demonstrate understanding of the three phases of mining feasibility studies—scoping, prefeasibility, and feasibility—together with associated cost estimation.</p><p>Basic financial evaluation methods will also be applied, including time value of money, discounted cash flow (DCF), and rate of return. The assignment assesses Learning Outcomes K1–K5 and S1–S3.</p> | <p>Assignment</p> | <p>10-20%</p> | K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3 |
| 2 | <p> Assignment 2 assesses students’ understanding of mine planning and optimisation principles covered in Chapters 5–8 of the prescribed textbook, together with their basic competency in using the industry mine planning software Deswik. The assignment integrates theoretical concepts with practical application to develop skills relevant to mine design and production planning.</p><p>Students will apply key mine planning techniques used in both surface and underground mining operations. Tasks include analyzing open pit optimization to determine economically optimal pit limits, considering factors such as commodity price, operating costs, and slope constraints. Students will also examine Life of Mine (LOM) planning, including production rate optimization and the sequencing of ore and waste extraction.</p><p>Additional components include production scheduling, equipment selection and matching, and cycle time analysis to estimate fleet productivity and operational efficiency. Through these activities, students develop practical understanding of mine planning and operational decision-making.</p><p>This assignment assesses Learning Outcomes K1–K5 and S1–S3.</p> | <p>Assignment</p> | <p>20-40%</p> | K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3 |
| 3 | <p>The Final Test is a capstone-style team design project assessed through an oral examination, where students work in groups of three to develop and defend a conceptual mine design and optimization strategy for a mineral deposit scenario. The project integrates the technical, economic, and planning concepts covered throughout the unit while promoting teamwork and professional communication.</p><p>Each team analyses deposit characteristics and proposes a mine development strategy, including the selection and justification of an appropriate mining method based on geological, geotechnical, economic, and operational considerations. Students also evaluate production rate scenarios and determine an optimal strategy using net present value (NPV) analysis.</p><p>The project includes an economic evaluation using discounted cash flow (DCF) and rate of return (ROR) across multiple Life of Mine (LOM) scenarios. During the oral examination, teams present and defend their design decisions, assumptions, and analyses.</p><p>This assessment evaluates Learning Outcomes K1–K5, S1–S3, and A1–A2.</p> | <p>Design Project and Oral Examination</p> | <p>40-60%</p> | K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, S1, S2, S3, A1, A2 |